The Evil Eye
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Evil Eye
The Evil Eye -- woman looking at someone from behind a fan.
circa 1850s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14311952
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
1850s Behind Evil Eyeglass Fans Hairstyle Lorgnette Malice Malicious Monocle
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the essence of Victorian-era superstition and the power of the malevolent gaze. The woman in the photograph, dressed in an elegant evening gown, turns her back to the viewer while casting a sidelong glance over her shoulder. In her hand, she holds a large fan adorned with intricate lace and feathers, shielding her face from prying eyes. Her hairstyle, a high and elaborate updo, is common for the time, yet her expression conveys a sense of malice and ill will. The Evil Eye, a superstition deeply rooted in various cultures, holds that a person can cause harm or misfortune by looking at someone with a malicious intent. This belief was prevalent during the Victorian era, and the use of fans as a means of concealing one's gaze was a popular method to protect oneself from the Evil Eye. The woman's attire, with its full skirt and off-the-shoulder neckline, is reminiscent of the fashionable evening wear of the 1850s. Accessories such as monocles, lorgnettes, and eyeglasses were also popular during this time and can be seen in the background of the photograph. This haunting image invites the viewer to ponder the woman's intentions and the true meaning behind her gaze. Was she simply shielding herself from unwanted attention, or was she casting a malicious spell on an unsuspecting victim? The mystery and intrigue of this photograph make it a captivating glimpse into the past and the superstitions that shaped Victorian society.
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